The general rule of thumb was that a six- to seven-inch blade was optimum. Bud Holzman, who served with the 101, Although Captain Holzman reportedly base the blade profile of the Mark II on the Roman Mainz Gladius in the British Museums collection, the similarities to the F-S Fighting Knife are unmistakable. Its lighter than a bayonet and knives like the KA-BAR. Straight blade Mark II - Serial Number 007338 - This knife was carried by RMCS G.R. Coach guns were typically double-barreled shotguns with short barrels that made them easy to maneuver in 2023 JNews - Premium WordPress news & magazine theme by Jegtheme. This isnt the best steel, and I wouldnt take it to war. People say the PC nonsense is new, but the PX stopped carrying the MK II in the 1970s because they felt that the knife was too brutal and that fighting knives were of poor taste. In the spring of 1969 I was detailed to pick up my platoons mail at the company headquarters of C/75th Rangers in An Khe, Vietnam. eBay. Free shipping for many products! *The views and opinions expressed on this website are solely those of the original authors and contributors. Serrations were added to the Mark II in the 1970s. The handle on the 2008 version is a one-piece solid A380 aluminum alloy casting that includes the guard, grip and pommel in a single piece. So, sometime after that date, Charlie's Mark II was purchased by a U.S. soldier and taken to Nam. First Sold in 1966, the Gerber Mk2 Fighting Knife quickly became a very popular private purchase weapon for soldiers stationed in Vietnam. The handle on the 2008 version is a one-piece solid A380 aluminum alloy casting that includes the guard, grip and pommel in a single piece. Oldpocketknives.com is an online resource for collectors of vintage pocket knives. [4] Al Mar, then working for Gerber as a knife designer, added the sawtooth serrations toward the hilt, marketing the knife as a "survival aid", making it more appealing to the PX System, which resumed selling the Mark II as a survival knife, rather than a fighting knife. I got a Gerber Mark II knife. Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife W/Sheath USA MKII Vietnam Era 1970 . Of the 5,395 men admitted to the school 3,357 graduated as Recondos. GERBER MARK II IN VIETNAM Photo: Medal of Honor winner, Jim Fleming A picture of Jerry Michael Shriver, Master Sergeant, CCS, MACV-SOG (5TH SF GRP), SPECIAL FORCES U.S. Army. Note the Gerber Mark II worn on a belt on the right hip. 1982 American Historical Foundation Table - Probably done by Robert Buerlein, 1984 Pete Gerber Desk List - List found in Pete Gerber Sr.'s desk, 1986 Unknown Origin Table - Table of unknown origin, 1997 Levine List - Published in Bernard Levine's Guide to Knives and Their Values IV. Black double guard. Note the Gerber Mark II worn in an inverted carry, fastened to web gear on his left side. The Gerber MK II is a product of its time, but it remains an excellent knife option to this day. The 2008 version ballistic nylon sheath has an injection-molded hard polymer liner and two nylon straps with snap closures for primary and secondary retention to secure the handle. 43311 Joy Road It can be sharpened tom a very fine cutting edge and has excellent corrosion resistance. Has anyone else come across one from this era with engraving? This includes thick ropes, roots, and heavy canvas materials. A lot happened in that time, and along the way, the MK II became a well reputed Cold Warrior. Great condition. I don't believe it is a Vietnam era knife, the serial number doesn't look right. 2023 The SOFREP Media Group. It utilizes an active retention strap but is quick and easy to draw. A major disadvantage of most serrated blades is that they are more difficult to sharpen, requiring a special sharpening tool. Commercial knife makers like 420HC. Others have called the MK-II an improved version of the WW-II Fairbairn-Sykes commando knife. Yet, the Gerber Mark II is a fighting weapon first and tool secondary. There have been many variations in the Mark II throughout the years of its production. The Gerber Mark II has a suggested retail price of $115,00. / 226.796 g Blade Steel: 420HC Stainless Steel Blade Length: 6.5 in. By It's a long blade but matches the themes of the time for fighting knives. http://knifecollector.net/Gerber-MkII-Production-Chart.html. The Gerber Mark II was the iconic combat knife of the Vietnam War, much as the Fairbairn-Sykes (F-S) Fighting Knife (British Commando Knife), was the iconic combat knife of World War II. While 420HC is not a high-end stainless steel, it does produce a good knife steel with good corrosion resistance and fairly good edge holding ability. Its fully jumpable. All Rights Reserved. It popped up in the hands of everyones favorite fraud raven Seagal in the film Under Siege, as well as in the Road Warrior, in which Mad Max tucks one into his boot. Mr. Scratch. The handle is made from die-cast aluminum which helps keep the weight to just eight ounces. The long serrated edge makes it super easy to cut through thicker and denser materials. Your email address will not be published. The design is iconic, and they are still offered today. The NVA soldier was killed in an ambush in Vietnam's Central Highlands, somewhere west of Buon Ma Thout, in October of 1968 . However, the latest models are the closest collectors can get to a real MK II. The Gerber Mark II slid in and out of production over the years, but Gerber has recently re-released the knife in a very affordable package. I've been collecting and learning about the Gerber Mark II for over 30 years. Cond, Gerber Mk2 Mark 2 MkII Mark II Stiletto Neck Knife RETENTION Sheath Only, Gerber Mk2 Mark 2 MkII Mark II Stiletto BeltKnife RETENTION Sheath Only, UNUSED 1973 Post Vietnam Gerber MK2 MKII Commando Fighting Knife with Sheath, LIMITED EDITION Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII, 20th Anniversary Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII # XX2112, 1983 Gerber Mark II Fighting Knife/Mk 2 Combat/MkII -Collection / Serial #B5789S, RARE US 1977 GERBER MK2 Commando Fighting Knife BLACK HANDLE w/ Sheath, SUPER RARE ORIGINAL 1968 GERBER MK2 KNIFE AND SHEATH VIETNAM WAR PERSONALIZED, Gerber MK ll MK 2 Fighting Knife Sheath Only No Knife, RARE ORIGINAL PRESENTATION GERBER MK2 DAGGER ZEBRA WOOD KNIFE WITH SHEATH, RARE VINTAGE ORIGINAL GERBER MK2 KNIFE AND SHEATH WITH SHARPENER MADE IN 1974, RARE ORIGINAL VIETNAM WAR GERBER MK2 PERSONALIZED KNIFE AND SHEATH MADE IN 1971, Vintage US 1978 Gerber Mark II Survival Fighting Knife w/ Sheath, RARE VINTAGE ORIGINAL GERBER MK2 KNIFE AND SHEATH MADE IN 1977, VINTAGE GERBER MARK II 1976 Gray Handle KNIFE W/ Non Original SHEATH, Gerber LMF II Infantry (Coyote) Brown Combat Knife Fixed 4.84" Blade 420HC Steel, RARE US 1978 GERBER MK2 Commando Fighting Knife ERROR # LOGO DIES BREAKDOWN, WW2 Canadian British No 4 Mk II Spike Bayonet & Scabbard 2, WW2 Canadian British No 4 Mk II Spike Bayonet & Scabbard, WW2 Canadian British No 4 Mk II Spike Bayonet, Korean War British Canadian No4 Mk II Spike Bayonet & Scabbard w/ 52 Dated Frog, GERBER USA LMF II Military Infantry Black Drop Point Survival MINT IN SHEATH, Vintage 1986 Gerber Mark ii Fighting Knife Dagger & Scabbard, GERBER LMF II Infantry Knife with Sheath Coyote Brown. Particularly, the Mark II became a favorite with the MACV SOG teams that were the premier special operations unit in Vietnam. First Designed in 1966 Aluminum is an unusual choice for a knifes handle, but it works here. Designed for maximum versatility, the sheath features a multi-mount system with belt loops, nylon webbing leg strap with side-release buckle and is MOLLE/PALS compatible. Praesidus brings homage to the military watch tradition. Id like your opinion on something. The Gerber Mark II is one of the best selling knives of all time. The Mark II is one of the best selling knives of all time. On the Mark II, this narrower section comes toward the guard, and the edge on both sides has small serrations. It allows for an ice pick style grip, a fencing grip, or a standard hammer grip. With robust designs and vintage classic style, discover the heritage of military timepieces today! As is the case with the F-S, the Mark II is a purpose-built combat dagger with excellent penetration and reach. Picture is not detailed enough to determine if possibly the wrist tie was used to insure the knife would not be lost. [3] It has a distinctive look similar to that of the FairbairnSykes fighting knife developed during World War II for the British Commandos. Other handle features are an angled-forward double guard and a tapered pommel with lanyard hole. It has a 6-1/2" blade that is 1/8" thick. One year in one direction or another makes a BIG difference in price. The Mark II went into commercial production in late 1966. The Ka-Bar, the Bowie knife, the Fairbairn-Sykes, and the often forgotten Gerber Mark II Combat Knife are all famed fighting knives. Also if this knife is real, an approximate value would be greatly appreciated. Remember, that in the early years, Gerber did not keep careful records. This dual-edged blade, with its dagger point, will penetrate deep and with ease. Learn how your comment data is processed. A plan is like a map. 2023 Old Pocket Knives - WordPress Theme by Kadence WP, Case XX USA Canoe 1972 8 Dot 62131 Bone Handle Pocket Knife, Case XX Stainless USA 1971 9 Dot Bone 6246R Riggers Knife, Case XX Stainless USA 1965-69 Bone 6279 Equal End Pen Knife, Case XX SS USA 5207 SP SSP 10 Dot 1980 Stag Mini Trapper Knife. Black ballistic nylon sheaths were introduced around 1985. After the war, wondering about the history of the knife, Charlie wrote to Gerber (this was years before the internet) and sent a picture of the knife and its serial number hoping Gerber could tell him who had originally purchased it and when. View on eBay. The Mark II also incorporates a dual serrated edge to add to its utility. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Caribou Media Group | All rights reserved. It was advertised as a boot knife rather than a fighting knife. Cason. The Gerber Mark II Is One Of The Most Famous Combat Knives Ever Issued To The American Military. You need to be a member in order to leave a comment. It could penetrate the torso of a bad guy and be long enough to reach something vital from any angle. US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY And he designed it not just to be a tool but a weapon. [2] It was designed by retired United States Army Captain, Clarence A. "It was the tradition that the honor graduate of each class at MACV Recondo School be awarded a Gerber commando dagger by the school's staff. A fundamental part of intelligent behavior is planning. The Mark II was designed by retired US Army Captain Clarence A. This allows them to be sharpened at the same time as the blade and makes sharpening a breeze. Aluminum is an unusual choice for a knifes handle, but it works here. The Mainz Gladius was a short dagger that was given to senior officers in the Roman Army and was considered a prestigious status symbol. Somewhere there is a Gerber site that lists serial numbers and dates of production. by Wayne Goddard *Lighting a path to truth* Former Navy JAG Worldwide U.S. Military Defense. Full production resumed in 2008 and continues to this day. That is not a Gerber Mark Two it is a Gerber Command 1. I had one other, made in 1979, that I carried on Desert Storm, and my son carried on OEF and OIF. Save my name and email to use for future comments. The modern Mark II is a bit dated in design, but the Mark II is also a historic knife worth preserving. The engraving seems legit. The new Mark II uses the same classic dagger-like design and metal grip and handguard. In the 1970s, the military's base/post exchanges discontinued selling these knives, reasoning that they were "not in good taste" or "too brutal". There are many combat knives and bayonets, such as the M7 and M9, that are modeled after the classic dagger or spear point. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING VETERAN JOURNALISM - JOIN SOFREP+ However, the ones of recent make that are available are reasonably priced at right around $100-$115. The 1970-1974 yellow-handled dive knives have no serial numbers. Although Captain Holzman reportedly base the blade profile of the Mark II on the Roman Mainz Gladius in the British Museums collection, the similarities to the F-S Fighting Knife are unmistakable. Hi! Keep Reading. A picture of Jerry Michael Shriver, Master Sergeant, CCS, MACV-SOG (5TH SF GRP), SPECIAL FORCES U.S. Army. Yep .. you beat me to it re: not a MK-II. First Introduced In 1966, It Still Endures Today. By the 1960's, Gerber decided to manufacture a knife that could be used in combat during the war in Vietnam. It has black diecast aluminum handles and it includes a black nylon sheath with a belt loop. 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Yeah, the stores where Americas killers shop thought a knife was too untasteful. Bud Holzman, who served with the 101st Airborne Division (Screaming Eagles) in the European theatre during WWII. It also comes with a ballistic nylon sheath. Not all brown ones are Vietnam, but all Vietnam ones are brown, if that makes sense. So (F9999S - F3523S + 1) = 6477 and (H4854S - H0000S + 1 ) = 4855. Kasey, Your email address will not be published. This 40 year-old jewel features a black oxide coated 420 HC double serrated blade and die cast aluminum handle. When I was in Vietnam, my Dad saw an advertisement in the magazine for the "new" Gerber fighting knife. The MACV Recondo School operated from 1966 to 1971. It is curious to note that the Mark 1 Gerber was not designed until 1976, that is after the Vietnam War was over and a full ten years after the Mark II was produced. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The blade has a zero-degree cant. Sign up for a new account in our community. First issued for use by U.S. service personnel in the Vietnam War in 1966, the knife has stayed in production since with the exception of 2000-2008. The Mark II was designed by retired US Army Captain Clarence A. Share #1 Posted April 5, 2012. The choice was a dagger designed for sticking, but equally capable of cutting and slashing. THANK YOU!!! MSRP: $115.00, Follow our regular channel at Spotterup on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1PXrpGGfAUtZC6IVhXg2-w, Follow our site at https://spotterup.com/, Follow on Instagram as https://www.instagram.com/spotterup/, Visit my store at https://spotter-up.myshopify.com/. The Mark II is a true classic that belongs in every knife collection. Black butt with lanyard hole and leather lanyard. These include changes in blade steel, blade profile, blade serration, handle material and color. [2] It was designed by retired United States Army Captain, Clarence A. Frost Matrix - "Gerber Mark II Production History Matrix" by Robert Frost originally found at, 200? For information about George Rex Grason see: http://www.beachjumpers.com/cason-gr.htm. "Bud" Holzman, who served with the 101 . With a plan, you can see how much you have progressed towards your goal and how far on your map to the next destination. By Mr. Scratch, April 5, 2012 in EDGED WEAPONS. Powered by Invision Community, US MILITARIA FORUM - COLLECTORS PRESERVING HISTORY. A surprising variety of sheaths have been associated with the Mark II. During the Vietnam War, the first production run of this knife had a five degree offset between the blade and the grip in order to ride in the sheath more comfortably, and give the user a grip similar to that of a fencing foil.
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